Duncan and colleagues after his first Quarter Peal, dedicated to the people of Christchurch

In recent weeks the eyes of the world have been on New Zealand's south island whose main city was devestated by the earthquake there.  There is a sizeable contingent of Hays in that part of the world and some readers will, no doubt, recall the late Sir Hamish Hay who was the city's mayor for many years.

On the other side of the world, Clan Hay member Duncan Hay (aged 12) is an enthusiastic bellringer at his local parish church, St Mary's Merton in south west London.  It is a major milestone in a bell ringer's career to ring his first 'quarter peal' and Duncan achieved this last Sunday evening.  The St Mary's bell ringers have dedicated their achievement to the people of Christchurch, including the congregation and bell ringers of the cathedral whose tower collapsed during the quake, destroying the bells.